(Underworld, Gremory Territory)
In his office in the Underworld, Sirzechs was currently having a private call with two other people. "So, we agree on the plan moving forward?" he asked.
"Of course. This is the only way we're going to get out of this stalemate and put an end to the conflict between our groups," said an older sounding man.
"Hopefully the members of our respective factions will follow suit. There will definitely be some push back, especially from those who have grudges against the others," said a younger sounding man.
"You worry too much Michael. I'm sure we can handle it when the time comes," said the older man irresponsibly.
Sirzechs sighed. "You're too carefree as usual Azazel. Don't forget that your group has caused the most trouble for everyone. Even though the three of us have agreed to let the past be the past, it's another thing in regards to the Sekiryuutei," said Sirzechs.
"Don't worry about him. I plan to make it up to him. I have it on good authority that he's a reasonable guy," said Azazel playfully.
"I've received a report from my people as well about the Sekiryuutei but it isn't much. Sirzechs, you've met him before, how would you describe him?" asked Michael.
"He is a good hearted person who doesn't mince his words. He is a bit of a realist, if not a bit unorthodox in his thinking. He is also someone who will get truly angry for others if he feels they are being mistreated, which might put you in his line of fire as well Michael," warned Sirzechs.
"Why me?" asked the Archangel confused.
"Does the name Asia Argento ring a bell?"
"..." The silence was deafening from Michael. Even though they couldn't see each other, Sirzechs and Azazel could tell what kind of face Michael was making.
"Even though you didn't have any bad intentions with your decision, that doesn't matter to Issei-kun. If you make the people he cares about suffer he will make you pay. That is the kind of impression I get from him. He is also a wary person so that makes all the negative things he sees about anyone worse in my opinion."
"You really screwed the pooch on this one Michael," said Azazel teasingly.
"You're not off the hook either Azazel. As I recall, it was your group that was going to use Asia-san and ended up gaining the Sekiryuutei's ire as well," shot back Michael.
"Now now, let's not fight. We have all done something to upset Issei-kun in one form or fashion. It's about how we move forward from here that matters. Issei-kun and his organization have enough power to rival us if the reports are to be believed, and seeing them in battle during my sister's Rating Game I could tell that they were all holding back. Some of them even looked a bit bored while fighting Riser's group. We don't know the extent of his power and quite frankly, I'm in no rush to find out," said Sirzechs.
The other two made sounds of confirmation at Sirzechs words. "What should we do from here?" asked Michael.
"Why don't we have his group participate in the meeting since the whole point is to form an alliance between us anyways?" suggested Azazel.
"That's not a bad idea. Issei-kun is going to be there anyway to report his side of the incident so we might as well invite him as his own faction." said Sirzechs. The three continued to discuss future plans through the night.
(Issei's House)
"The meeting is coming up soon," said Issei. He was currently in his room with Mash and communicating with Da Vinci.
"Right. This could be a big opportunity for us. If we could get aid from one of the Factions of your world that will help expedite things quite nicely," said Da Vinci.
"Rias gave me a positive response about the possibility of making a deal with Sirzechs so we'll have to wait and see, but I'm not too sure about the other two," said Issei.
"Well, this meeting will be an opportunity for us but, I will leave the decision to you Fujimaru-kun," said Da Vinci.
Issei looked confused. "Why me?"
"Because it's your world and after everything that's happened I'm sure you have some strong feelings about both the Fallen and the Church. So, I will leave who we are dealing with to you and I will take care of the details."
Issei gave a grateful smile to Da Vinci. "Thank you, Da Vinci-chan." Issei went into thought for a bit before speaking again. "I can't believe God is dead."
"That was a surprise to say the least. We're no stranger to killing Gods, but it is a bit surreal to hear that the Christian God of your world died. Even here he is still an enigmatic presence so it's interesting if a bit tragic," said Da Vinci.
"Do you think we should bring it up when we speak to the church Senpai?" asked Mash.
"If they try to gloss over it, we won't have a fruitful relationship. Of course, God's death is the least of their worries when it comes to dealing with me," said Issei a bit menacingly.
"While I understand and agree with you Senpai, please be prudent with them. The less enemies we have the better," warned Mash.
Issei nodded in agreement. "We should have everyone ready. Knowing from past experience, I don't see everything going smoothly," Issei said a bit tiredly.
Both Mash and Da Vinci nodded in agreement. "Speaking of which. Fujimaru-kun, since you're going to an important meeting, we decided to make you a more formal uniform to represent Chaldea. Also, Nero suggested we make it your colors, or her colors I guess would be more accurate. As we are still making it, I was wondering if you had any preferences for Mystic Codes for the uniform?" asked Da Vinci.
Issei looked surprised but gave a small smile. "A suggestion? Well, I guess my choices would be an attack and defense buff, an NP gain, and a temporary invincibility Mystic Code. It's general enough to help anyone and can be used both offensively and defensively. Will that work?"
Da Vinci nodded with a smile. "Sounds good. It's just like you to think of a hit and run type combination. A good idea for occasions where being flexible is necessary if things go south." Issei gave an awkward smile. He didn't put that much thought into it. He just wanted good offense and defense. "We'll get to work on it right away so it's ready for the meeting. I'll keep in touch." After she said that the call ended. Issei and Mash looked to each other and nodded, and they prepared themselves for the events to come.
Extra upload! Since this is the epilog of this volume, I figured I would upload it early so next month we can begin Volume 4. I was in the mood to upload this today because it's my birthday and decided to give a present to all of you. Yeah, I know that's not how it works but shut up. Anyways this was a short one to show the prep for the next arc and I have many ideas planned out to make that meeting interesting as well as a special guest who will be crashing for a volume or two. Now final question time. What would you all make for a Mystic Code if you could make one? I tried not to make an overpowered one cause the story has less tension than it normally does already. I don't want to cripple the poor thing. Looking forward to your comments as usual. : )
